Otto Mears Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon, c. 1892

Item

Identifier: B216.02.0002.00002

Staff Only

Abstract

Otto Mears sterling silver souvenir spoon. The spoon was commemorative for the Silverton Railroad. The spoon features a two-sided bust of Otto Mears at its top. The bowl of the spoon has a scene of railroad tracks running through the mountains and trees with the words "Rainbow Route" at the top. Ornate railways lead from the upper-middle to lower-middle on the front and back of the spoon.

Dates

c. 1892

Conditions Governing Use

Use Note: This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/?language=en

Biographical / Historical

This spoon was made circa 1892. If it was made at the same time as the 1892 Silverton Railroad silver filigree pass (B216.02.0002.00001) it may have been made by S. Spitz, Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory. Alternatively, it may have been crafted by the Diamond Palace Jewelers in Denver, CO. Anecdotally, this spoon is said to have been set out on a table for guests at a banquet in Silverton, CO.

Extent

From the File: 0.5 Linear Feet ; 7 x 4 centimeters

Additional Description

Inscriptions and Markings

On the front of the spoon: "Rainbow Route" is above a mountain/tree landscape in the spoon bowl. On the back of the spoon: "STERLING" is stamped at the base of the bust.